3 Powerful Reasons To use Coconut Oil For Dogs Teeth

Maintaining good dental care helps maintain the general health of all ages and breeds. Similar to humans, dogs can experience a variety of dental problems. Regular dental care supports healthy teeth and gums, aiding with periodontal functions. One of the methods becoming increasingly popular is coconut oil. Discover why coconut oil should be considered for your dog's oral hygiene and how to integrate it into their daily routine.

The Science Behind Coconut Oil for Dogs Teeth

Coconut oil has gained attention in the realm of pet care, particularly for its potential benefits when it comes to maintaining a dog’s oral health. The science behind the benefits of coconut oil lies in the unique properties of the medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil.

One of the primary MCFAs in coconut oil is lauric acid, which is known for its natural immune enhancing effects. This means that when applied to a dog’s teeth and gums, coconut oil can promote the body’s innate resistance to pathogens. By addressing the mouth bacteria, coconut oil could help in maintaining a cleaner oral environment. Taking care of the mouth bacteria may promote overall dental hygiene. The structure of MCTs allows them to be easily absorbed and utilized by the body, supporting energy production. This makes coconut oil not only a practical addition to a dog’s diet but also an option to help keep animals in peak condition. The oil's smooth texture also makes it easy to apply to the teeth and gums, either directly or through brushing. The science behind coconut oil's role in supporting a dog’s dental care is linked to its natural composition, which includes elements that can contribute to the maintenance of oral health. This makes it a popular choice among pet owners looking for natural ways to care for their dog’s teeth.

Why Pet Parents Should Consider Coconut Oil For Their Dog’s Teeth

There are a list of reasons pet parents should consider coconut oil for their dog’s oral health, including:

1.The Benefits Coconut Oil: Acids That Aid With Wellness

To fully understand the benefits of coconut oil for canine wellness, it’s important to understand the individual acid types found within coconut oil.

• Lauric acid: Lauric acid is the primary medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) found in coconut oil, making up about 50% of its fatty acid content. When its digested, the body converts it into monolaurin which promotes the body’s innate resistance to pathogens and provides nutritional support for healthy immune function.

• Capric acid: Capric acid can help support energy production at a cellular level while helping support blood sugar levels within normal ranges. Capric acid can also enhance your pet’s brain function by stimulating the formation of ketone bodies.

• Caprylic acid: Caprylic acid supports healthy digestion by promoting homeostasis and supporting a proper balance of normal intestinal flora.

• Caproic acid: Caproic acid helps support energy at a cellular level which can help support stamina and endurance. While not as well-studied as lauric, capric, or caprylic acid, caproic acid still plays a role in the holistic benefits provided by coconut oil.

Lauric Acid in Coconut Oil

Among these MCFAs, lauric acid is the compound of significant interest for oral health. Lauric acid is known to promote the body’s innate resistance to pathogens, which enhances the immune response in the mouth cavity. This fatty acid can penetrate the lipid membranes of bacteria, disrupting their structure and dispelling them from the body.

2.Coconut Oil Supports Healthy Teeth

In addition to dispelling bacteria from the body, coconut oil also plays a significant role in helping keep your animal’s teeth healthy and clean. When oral care isn’t maintained, plaque and tartar buildup can result. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth when bacteria mix with food particles. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by professional cleaning. By regularly applying coconut oil, you can minimize the formation of plaque on your dog’s teeth, thereby helping keep your animal’s teeth healthy and clean. The properties of coconut oil can promote normal inflammatory processes and promote healthy gums, making it a beneficial addition to your dog’s dental care routine.

3.Coconut Oil Offers a Natural Option

One of the biggest advantages of using coconut oil is its natural composition. Unlike some commercial toothpastes, which may contain artificial ingredients, chemicals, or flavors, coconut oil is entirely natural and non-toxic. This is particularly important because dogs can't spit out toothpaste the way humans do, so they inevitably swallow whatever is used to clean their teeth. Some commercial toothpastes, especially those with added abrasives, aren’t what pet parents should be using to clean their dog’s teeth. Coconut oil, on the other hand, has a smooth, soothing texture that is easy on your dog’s gums and helps promote a positive tooth-brushing experience for your pet.

Choosing the Right Coconut Oil For Your Dog’s Teeth

Choosing the right type of coconut oil for your dog is essential to maximizing its health benefits. It’s best to opt for virgin coconut oil, and you should look for cold-pressed, food-grade coconut oil, as this type is minimally processed. This process helps preserve the oil’s natural nutrients and ensures it’s free from harmful contaminants that could reduce its effectiveness.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth with Food-Grade Oil

Before you get started, you’ll need to collect the necessary supplies. You’ll need a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush and food-grade coconut oil. Once you have what you need, follow these steps:

1. Warm the coconut oil: If the coconut oil is solid, gently warm it until it becomes a liquid. This can be done by placing a small amount in your hands.
2. Let your dog explore: Let your dog sniff and taste the toothbrush before you start. Dip the brush in coconut oil and allow your dog to lick it off if they choose to. This will help them get used to the taste and texture.
3. Lift the lip to expose the teeth: Gently brush in small, circular motions, focusing on the gum line where plaque tends to build up. Start with a few teeth and gradually work your way around their mouth.
4. Give your dog a reward: After brushing, reward your dog with a treat, praise, or playtime. This positive reinforcement helps them associate tooth brushing with a pleasant experience.

Be sure to choose a quiet, calm area where your dog feels relaxed. Gently pet your dog and speak in a soothing voice to help them feel at ease during the brushing process.

Incorporating Food-Grade Oil into Your Dog’s Diet

With most supplements, it's important to remember the phrase, "start low and go slow." Coconut oil follows that same guideline. Taking this gradual approach helps your dog's digestive system adapt to the high-fat content of coconut oil. The general guideline is to add about ¼ teaspoon per day if you have a puppy or small dog or up to 1 tablespoon for large dog breeds. At room temperature, it’s solid, but it can easily be added to your dog’s food if it’s slightly warmed. It’s important to note that this amount can vary based on your dog’s overall health status, weight, and other factors your veterinarian considers.

Adding Coconut Oil To Your Cat’s Routine

As a side note, your cat can also be offered coconut oil in small amounts as long as your veterinarian gives you the go-ahead. Generally, you’ll start with the same amount as a small puppy, ¼ teaspoon per day. Adding the small amount to their food can make it easy to incorporate into their routine.

Combining CBD Oil with MCT For Dogs

MCT oil, often derived from coconut oil,  can be helpful when combined with full-spectrum CBD for canine wellness. The blend of MCT oil and full-spectrum CBD oil not only supports the physical and mental well-being of dogs, but also helps promote normal periodontal health. When the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil are paired with the wide array of cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD oil, they work together to support a healthy immune system in all animals and normal detoxification processes. The combination of MCT oil for dogs with full-spectrum hemp extract is also known to help maintain a normal inflammatory response.

Talk to Your Holistic Vet For Personalized Suggestions

Coconut oil can not only support healthy teeth, but it can also support your dog’s gums, helping keep your animal’s teeth healthy and clean between dog teeth cleanings. While this supplement has the potential to be incredibly beneficial, it's advisable to consult with a holistic or integrative veterinarian before beginning any new supplement. They can offer personalized advice tailored to your dog’s unique health profile, ensuring that the dosage is suitable for their size, weight, and overall health needs.

For further reading, we recommend:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9264852/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4070410/
• https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0229868
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10347378/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10800185/
• https://ivcjournal.com/mct-oil-and-its-use-in-animal-patients/